Braeden Lane Rayner

In Memory of Braeden “Bray” Rayner

Entered Life: February 3, 2004 • Entered Rest: July 27, 2025

Braeden “Bray” Lane Rayner was born on February 3rd, 2004, in Casper, Wyoming, to David Rayner and Jennifer Rayner and went to eternal rest far too soon on July 27, 2025, at the young age of 21.

There are not enough words to describe the kind of person Braeden was, and no easy ones to describe the hole in our hearts he leaves behind. Bray packed a lifetime of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories into just 21 short years. He lived with a spark that touched everyone he met.

Bray was a bright light—radiating joy, humor, and warmth wherever he went. He had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and loved. Whether it was cracking a joke, dropping everything to lend a hand, or just being his full-hearted self, he made it impossible not to smile around him. Braeden didn’t just walk into a room—he filled it with his contagious presence and was quick to share his favorite saying: “You’re gonna piss me off.”

He grew up in Casper and attended Manor Heights Elementary, Centennial Junior High, and Kelly Walsh High School. He enjoyed skateboarding, snowboarding, playing video games, driving around town with friends, and just hanging out. Braeden loved his Infiniti Q50—it was his pride and joy. Even when his dad joked that he should get a truck instead, Bray stood firm: it had to be that car.

He was always surrounded by people who loved him—because he made it easy to love him. Bray had a magnetic spirit, the kind that pulled people in and made them feel like family. And just as he was surrounded by love, he gave it right back—effortlessly and fully. From close friends to coworkers to extended family, everyone who knew Bray felt the impact of his presence.

Above all else, Bray was deeply connected to the people he loved. His bond with his sister Bree was something truly special—more than just siblings, they were best friends, each other’s biggest supporters, and constant sources of laughter and love. He’d mess with Bree just to get a rise out of her—taking her hairbrush or adding to her to-do list. They were inseparable, and he was always looking out for her (and will now be watching over her from heaven). He was her person, and she was his.

Bray was also unapologetically a momma’s boy. His love for his mom ran deep, and he never shied away from showing it. When he came home from work, he’d go straight to his momma, kiss her on the forehead, rub her hair, and ask, “How was your day, Miss Jen?” She was his anchor, and he made her laugh constantly. Just a few weeks ago, he came running out of the shower and shouted, “Don’t look at my booty now, Mom!”—then stopped and gave her a little shake, just to make her laugh.

If Bree wasn’t home, he’d come into the room and say, “Well, since Bree isn’t here, I have to pick on someone—looks like that would be you.” There was never a dull or quiet moment around Braeden.

He had his dad’s charm and quick wit—something that won hearts of all ages. He was working to build skills for a future job on the drilling rig with his dad, which he was so excited about. He loved going to his dad’s house for “world-famous steaks” but often joked about avoiding chores. He’d “supervise” while his dad worked on things, but recently showed up boots-on, ready to help—he was growing up.

Still, he’d often call Bree to ask what his dad was working on before heading over—deciding if he’d go now or maybe wait until the work was done. It was an inside joke between them that their dad always had something lined up.

Braeden was his dad’s mini-me—his little shadow—and the spitting image of him. He picked up all his dad’s sayings: “Ya know what I mean?” and a confident little “HeLLo.” They spent hours together learning about investing in crypto and planning their next big thing.

When he was younger his stepmom Melissa couldn’t wait to hear about his new dreams of being a magician or ventriloquist and was most recently proud of the new bigger dream he had to grow up and follow in his father’s footsteps. She has always felt so blessed to be a part of his village of people who loved him.

He loved harassing his sisters, or maybe they loved messing with him even more. He was an incredible big brother to Bree and Aliyah. Just a few weeks ago, he was in the pool with them, taking on every dare they gave him—including jumping off the roof just to prove he could.

He used to tease Aliyah when she giggled, putting on a serious face and saying, “Don’t ever do that again,” before breaking into laughter. She’d fire right back, teasing him for how he took selfies—arms stretched high above his head—and he’d protest, “That’s not how I pose!” Aliyah has always loved the story of how her names for him evolved—from “BBaden,” to “Bubba,” and finally to Braeden, just a few years ago. He was always making them laugh, but even more than that, he was always looking out for them.

Bray had an unbreakable bond with his Gma Patty and Gpop Robert. That was his safe place—he was never told no and always knew he was home there. He was Robert’s little buddy and Patty’s pride and joy, her #1 grandson. Whether sneaking treats, sharing laughs, or just being together, the love they shared was deep and unconditional.

His love for adventure started young. He and his cousin Bryce once paintballed an enclosed trailer—and the basement walls of Aunt Velvet and Uncle Rob’s house (rumor has it there’s still paint under the sheetrock).

They spent time together in the Rattlesnake Mountains shooting prairie dogs and trying to hit rattlesnakes—though they missed a dozen times their last trip. They texted constantly, shared everything, and were more like brothers than cousins. Bryce called Bray his “guy”—his daily go-to. Life will never be the same without him.

Braeden also shared a unique bond with his cousin Hope—they shared the same birthday, which connected them from the start. Hope always joked she’d try to outshine him, but she secretly loved that shared connection. Now, that day will always carry a quiet ache—a reminder of the piece of her heart that left with him.

Halloween and parade days were treasured traditions with Aunt Tiffany. From adorable costumes over snowsuits (we’re pretty sure he was the cutest lion for four years straight) to fair days full of laughter, Braeden brought joy to every moment.

Summers with Grammy Angie were unforgettable. She filled every day with fun—movies, baseball games, ice cream runs, backyard swimming, and endless love. He may have only stood five-foot-four, but that never stopped him from holding his own on the basketball court with the six-foot-tall guys. He could shoot hoops with the best of them. She documented everything—over 20 photo albums by the time he was two (and if you add a few zeros, you’re getting closer). Watching him grow into a sweet, funny, and determined young man was one of the greatest joys of her life.

At Uncle Matthew and Aunt Aubrey’s wedding, Bray proudly took on the role of ring bearer. He was the oldest of the kids and was supposed to pull the wagon down the aisle. But when the time came, he looked up at Aubrey with all the honesty in the world and said, “But I’m not strong no more…” Clara pulled the wagon, but that moment—so pure, so Bray—has lived in our hearts ever since.

His absence will be felt every single day, but his spirit lives on in every memory, every story, and every life he touched. We will never forget him and the joy, love, and laughter he brought to so many.

Braeden is survived by his mother Jennifer Rayner, his father David Rayner and stepmom Melissa Rayner, his sister and best friend Breonna Rayner, his sister Aliyah Rayner, his Gma Patricia Stricker and Gpop Robert Eshelman, his Grammy Angie Rayner, and Great-Grandpa Jim Whipps. He is also survived by Uncle Matthew and Aunt Aubrey Whipps, Aunt Velvet and Uncle Rob Locklin, Aunt Tiffany Rayner, and cousins Bryce and Bretton Locklin, Hope Dutton, Zion, Ellyanna, and Selah Whipps—as well as countless friends, coworkers, and extended family who loved him deeply.

He is preceded in death by his “Pap” Harry Cook, “Grammy” Fadra Cook, Great-Grandma Bonnie Whipps, Great-Aunt Raini Baraibar, Cousin Scott Baraibar, Great-Grandma Lou Locklin, Grandfather David Rayner, and numerous great-aunts and uncles.

A service to honor Braeden’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 6th at 2:00 PM at Highland Park Community Church, with a reception to follow. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend to mourn and celebrate the incredible life he lived. We invite you to wear black or dark purple, his favorite colors, in honor of Bray.

To share a memory of Braeden or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.